KR101778289B1 - Near field communication (nfc) device, nfc communication method of nfc device and smart mat including nfc device - Google Patents

Abstract

An NFC device according to an embodiment of the present specification includes a loop antenna disposed on a first surface of a substrate and transmitting and receiving a radio signal, wherein an antenna region defined by an outer perimeter or an inner perimeter of the loop antenna is located in a first region of the first surface, at least one input interface which is disposed in the first surface of the substrate, wherein the input interface is located in a second region of the first surface and the first region is different from the second region, and a processor connected to the loop antenna and the input interface. The processor transmits an RF response signal including control information for executing a function corresponding to the input interface to an external NFC device through the loop antenna if a user input with regard to the input interface is detected in a communication mode in which communication with the external NFC device is possible. Accordingly, the present invention can provide an active NFC service in consideration of the selection of a user and improve the efficiency of the communication with the external NFC device.

Description

NFC DEVICE, NFC COMMUNICATION METHOD OF NFC DEVICE AND SMART MAT INCLUDING NFC DEVICE, INCLUDING NFC COMMUNICATION METHOD AND NFC DEVICE FOR NFC DEVICE}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an NFC (near field communication) communication technology, and more particularly, to an NFC device operating as an NFC target, an NFC communication method of an NFC device, and a smart mat including an NFC device.

NFC communication is a short distance communication method based on electromagnetic induction. An NFC system that performs NFC communications includes an NFC initiator that initiates communications and an NFC target that performs communications initiated by an NFC initiator.

At this time, the NFC target is greatly influenced by the antenna performance and the communication efficiency depending on the antenna position and the arrangement structure of the NFC initiator. In addition, the NFC target relies on the control of the NFC initiator and provides only a passive function.

Therefore, there is a need to provide an NFC apparatus having an efficient antenna position, shape, and arrangement structure that is less influenced by the antenna position, arrangement structure, and the like of the NFC initiator while operating as an NFC target. Further, there is a need to provide an NFC apparatus that operates as an NFC target and provides an active function according to a user's selection.

An NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a loop antenna disposed on a first surface of a substrate and transmitting and receiving a radio signal, an outer perimeter or an inner perimeter of the loop antenna, Wherein the input interface is located within a first region on the first surface and is disposed on a first surface of the substrate, the input interface includes a second region on the first surface, Wherein the first region and the second region are different regions; And a processor coupled to the loop antenna and the input interface. Wherein the processor is configured to, when a user input to the input interface is detected in a communication mode in which communication with the external NFC apparatus is enabled, transmitting an RF response signal including control information for executing a predefined function to the loop antenna To the external NFC apparatus.

Also, in the NFC communication method of an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the NFC apparatus includes a loop antenna disposed on a first surface of a substrate and transmitting / receiving a radio signal, At least one input interface located within a first region on the first surface and disposed on a first surface of the substrate, an antenna region defined by an outer perimeter or an inner perimeter of the substrate, The input interface may be located in a second area on the first surface, the first area and the second area being different areas, and the processor coupled to the loop antenna and the input interface. The NFC communication method comprising the steps of: detecting a user input to the input interface in a communication mode in which communication with an external NFC device is possible; And transmitting a RF response signal including control information for executing a predefined function to the external NFC apparatus through the loop antenna when a user input to the input interface is detected.

According to the present specification, the NFC apparatus includes at least one input interface, so that, unlike a conventional NFC target such as a powerless tag, a card, or the like, which provides only a predetermined single piece of information, And can act as an NFC target that actively provides the user with the desired information. This makes it possible to provide an active NFC service considering user selection even when the NFC apparatus operates as a passive NFC target without power supply, and further to provide a user-friendly NFC service.

Further, according to the present specification, each input interface can be located in a different area from the loop antenna. As a result, when the NFC apparatus performs NFC communication in the state of being close (or in contact with) the external NFC apparatus, the input interface is blocked by the external NFC apparatus or the user input to the input interface by the external NFC apparatus is inconvenient .

Also, since the NFC apparatus includes the loop antenna which is located on the upper side and has a structure inclined by a predetermined angle, communication efficiency with the external NFC apparatus can be improved.

In addition, the NFC apparatus includes a general communication mode (first communication mode) as well as an extended communication mode (second communication mode) as a communication mode, thereby providing various combinations of functions and information by using a limited number of buttons . Further, the NFC apparatus can gradually provide more and more detailed information in a stepwise manner when providing the specific contents through the sub-NFC apparatuses.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an NFC communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a configuration diagram of an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a conceptual diagram of an NFC apparatus including an RF antenna and an input interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a conceptual diagram of an NFC apparatus including an RF antenna and an input interface according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 shows an exemplary form of a loop antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.
6 shows an exemplary arrangement of a loop antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 shows an exemplary structure of a loop antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 illustrates an operation mode of an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a conceptual diagram of a smart mat including an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is an exploded perspective view of the smart mat of Fig.
11 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method by which a user uses the NFC service using the smart mat of FIG.
12 illustrates a method for operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus and an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a communication mode.
13 illustrates a method for operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus and an NFC apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a communication mode.
FIG. 14 shows an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method of operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus according to an interlocking mode.
15 shows an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas according to another embodiment of the present invention and a method of operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus according to an interlocking mode.
16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of NFC communication between a smart mat including an NFC apparatus and an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and the accompanying drawings, but the scope of the claims is not limited or limited by the embodiments.

As used herein, terms used in the present specification are selected from the general terms that are currently widely used, while taking into consideration the functions, but these may vary depending on the intention or custom of the artisan or the emergence of new techniques. Also, in certain cases, there may be a term selected by the applicant at will, in which case the meaning will be described in the description part of the corresponding specification. Therefore, it is intended that the terminology used herein should be interpreted based on the meaning of the term rather than on the name of the term, and on the entire contents of the specification.

In this specification, an NFC apparatus is an apparatus that performs NFC communication with an external NFC apparatus, and may be an NFC target that performs NFC communication with an external NFC apparatus such as a smart phone or a smart pad. The smart mat may be an apparatus including an NFC apparatus, for example, an advertisement apparatus that provides an advertisement service using an NFC apparatus, or an apparatus that provides a function description for a new product in a new product showcase using an NFC apparatus.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an NFC communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an NFC communication system 1000 includes a first NFC apparatus 100 and a second NFC apparatus 200. The first NFC apparatus 100 and the second NFC apparatus 200 can perform NFC communication in a short distance. As an embodiment, the first NFC apparatus 100 and the second NFC apparatus 200 can perform NFC communication in a contact state or a non-contact state.

In an embodiment, the first NFC device 100 may be an NFC initiator and the second NFC device 200 may be an NFC target. In this specification, an NFC initiator can be abbreviated as an initiator, and an NFC target can be abbreviated as a target.

An NFC initiator is an NFC device that initiates and controls NFC communications. As an example, an NFC initiator may initiate an NFC communication by initially outputting an electromagnetic wave. In this case, the wavelength of the used frequency may be, for example, 13.56 MHz, but not limited thereto, various possible frequency wavelengths may be used. Such an NFC initiator can actively generate an electromagnetic wave (or RF field) that can power a passive NFC target. This allows the NFC initiator to have a form factor such as a non-power tag, sticker, card, etc. in which the NFC target has a simpler form factor.

As an embodiment, the NFC initiator may perform a transmission rate selection, an initialization process, and / or a SDD (Single Device Detection) process. In addition, the NFC initiator may further perform a collision avoidance procedure by sensing an external RF field before generating the RF field.

The NFC target means an NFC device performing NFC communication with the NFC initiator under the control of the NFC initiator. As an example, the NFC target may be a passive NFC target that receives an operating voltage from an RF field (or RF signal) generated in the NFC initiator, or an active NFC target that is capable of actively generating an RF field (or RF signal) have.

As an example, NFC communication between an NFC initiator and an NFC target may be such that an NFC initiator sends an RF signal containing an instruction (e.g., a read command or a write command) to an NFC target, And transmitting the RF response signal to the NFC initiator.

2 is a configuration diagram of an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 (a) is an exemplary configuration diagram of a first NFC apparatus 100 that operates as an NFC initiator, and FIG. 2 (b) is an exemplary configuration diagram of a second NFC apparatus 200 operating as an NFC target. to be. As shown, the first NFC apparatus 100 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 (a) is a dielectric NFC apparatus and the second NFC apparatus 200 of the embodiment of FIG. 2 (b) may be a non-power NFC apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the first NFC apparatus 100 includes a power source 110, an RF antenna 120, at least one input interface 130, at least one output interface 140, a memory 150, And a processor 160.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 (a), the first NFC device 100 is a dielectric NFC device, which can actively generate an RF signal that initiates NFC communications and supply an operating voltage to the passive NFC target via an RF signal . Therefore, the first NFC apparatus 100 can operate as an NFC initiator. Also, depending on the embodiment, the first NFC apparatus 100 may operate as an NFC target. In this case, the first NFC device 100 operating as an NFC target and the other NFC device performing NFC communication must be an NFC device that actively generates an RF signal.

The power supply 110 may be coupled to the processor 160 to supply an operating voltage to the processor 160.

The RF antenna 120 may be coupled to the processor 160 to transmit and receive wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). As an example, the RF antenna 120 may be a loop antenna implemented as a coil of a shape. The position, shape and the like of the loop antenna will be described below with reference to Figs.

The input interface 130 may be coupled to the processor 160 to receive user input. As an example, the input interface 130 may be, for example, a control button for receiving a user's button input, a microphone for receiving a user's voice input, a touch display panel for receiving a user's touch input, and the like. As an example, the control button may be a touch button that recognizes a touch input of a user or a physical button that recognizes a press input of a user, but may include various types of recognizing user input Can be used as a control button.

The output interface 140 can output information. As an example, the output interface 140 may be, for example, a display for outputting time information, a speaker for outputting auditory information, or the like.

The memory 150 may be coupled to the processor 160 to store various information for driving the processor 160. The memory 150 may be internal to the processor 160 or may be external to the processor 160 and coupled to the processor 160 by known means.

The processor 160 is coupled to the power source 110, the RF antenna 120, the input interface 130, the output interface 140 and the memory 150 to be configured to perform operations according to various embodiments of the NFC apparatus . For example, the processor 160 may be configured such that the NFC device performs various operations of the NFC initiator or NFC target. As an embodiment, at least one of the modules, data, programs, or software that implement the operation of an NFC apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention may be stored in memory 150 and executed by processor 160.

Referring to FIG. 2 (b), the second NFC apparatus 200 may include an RF antenna 210, at least one input interface 220, a memory 230, and a processor 240.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2 (b), the second NFC device 200 is a non-powered NFC device and can receive operating voltages from RF signals generated in the first NFC device 100 (e.g., an NFC initiator) have. This second NFC apparatus 200 can not actively generate an RF signal for starting the NFC communication and can generate an RF response signal by modulating the RF signal received from the external NFC apparatus. Therefore, the second NFC apparatus 200 can operate only as an NFC target.

The RF antenna 210, the input interface 220 and the memory 230 of the second NFC device 200 of FIG. 2B correspond to the RF antenna 120 of the first NFC device 100 of FIG. 2 (b) The input interface 130, and the memory 150, duplicated description will be omitted. Hereinafter, the processor 240 will be briefly described.

2B, the processor 240 may be coupled to the RF antenna 210, the input interface 220 and the memory 230 to be configured to perform operations according to various embodiments of the NFC device have. For example, the processor 240 may be configured such that the NFC device performs various operations of the NFC target. As an example, at least one of the modules, data, programs, or software that implement the operation of the NFC apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention may be stored in the memory 230 and executed by the processor 240.

Operations of the processor described in FIG. 2 will be described in detail below with reference to the respective drawings. Hereinafter, it can be described that the processor controls at least one unit included in the NFC apparatus or the NFC apparatus, and can be explained by equating the processor and the NFC apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram according to an embodiment. Blocks that are separately displayed are logically distinguished from elements of an NFC apparatus. Therefore, the elements of the NFC apparatus described above can be mounted as one chip or a plurality of chips according to the design of the NFC apparatus.

Hereinafter, an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention which operates as an NFC target will be described in detail. The NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by the above-described dielectric NFC apparatus or non-power NFC apparatus, but may preferably be implemented by a non-power NFC apparatus. When implemented as a non-powered NFC device, the NFC device can operate only as an NFC target, but it can have a simpler structure and has an advantage that it can be manufactured at low cost.

In the following embodiments, a first NFC device operating as an NFC target may be referred to as an NFC device, and a second NFC device operating as an NFC initiator may be referred to as an external NFC device.

3 is a conceptual diagram of an NFC apparatus including an RF antenna and an input interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is an exemplary conceptual diagram of an NFC device 300 including a single RF antenna.

Referring to FIG. 3, the NFC apparatus 300 may include a substrate 310 (or an NFC board) having a single RF antenna and at least one input interface 330 disposed thereon. As an example, the substrate 310 may be a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate 310, for example. As an example, the RF antenna may be, for example, a loop antenna 320 implemented with a coil having a predetermined number of turns or more.

As an example, the input interface may be, for example, a control button that receives user input. As described above, the control button may be, for example, a touch button for recognizing a touch input of a user or a physical button for recognizing a user's press input. The input interface 330 may take various forms. For example, as shown, the input interface 330 may have a circular shape.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the loop antenna 320 may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate 310. As an example, the antenna region of the loop antenna 320 may be located within the first region 10 on the first surface of the substrate 310. Here, the antenna region may be an area related to the loop antenna, for example, an area defined or determined by an outer perimeter or an inner perimeter of the loop antenna 320.

Here, the first area may be an area where the external NFC device is aligned for NFC communication. In this case, the external NFC apparatus can be aligned in the first region in a contact state or in a non-contact state. Thus, in a state where the external NFC apparatus is aligned in the first region 10, the loop antenna having the optimum position, shape, and arrangement structure for providing the best antenna efficiency and communication efficiency is connected to the loop antenna of the NFC apparatus 300 (320).

In an embodiment, the first region may be of the same or similar form as the external NFC device. For example, when the external NFC apparatus is in the form of a rectangle whose length (or height) is longer than the width (or width), the first region may also be in the form of a rectangle having a longer length than the width. In an embodiment, the first area may be an area wider than the device area of the external NFC device. Here, the device area may be an area associated with an external NFC device, for example, an area defined or determined by a frame of an external NFC device.

As an embodiment, the external NFC apparatus can be aligned in the first area in a predetermined direction. For example, the outer NFC apparatus may be aligned in the first region such that the longitudinal axis of the outer NFC apparatus is horizontal in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the first region. That is, the longitudinal axis of the external NFC apparatus may be horizontal with the longitudinal axis of the first region, and the top of the external NFC apparatus may be positioned upward of the first region.

In addition, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, each input interface 330 may be disposed on a first surface of the substrate 310. As an embodiment, the region of the input interface 330 (input interface region) may be located in the second region 20 on the first surface of the substrate 310. In this case, the input interface area can be defined, for example, by the outer periphery of the input interface 330. [ Here, the second region 20 may be a region different from the first region 10. That is, the loop antenna 320 and the input interface 330 may be located in different areas. When the external NFC apparatus 300 performs the NFC communication in the state where the external NFC apparatus is aligned in the first area 320 of the NFC apparatus 300, the input interface 330 is blocked by the external NFC apparatus 300, It is possible to prevent the user input to the input interface 330 from being made inconvenient by the NFC apparatus 300. [

As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the RF antenna and input interface may be coupled to the processor. For example, two end points of the loop antenna 320 may be wired to the processor, and each input interface 330 may be wired to the processor. In this case, the processor of the NFC apparatus 300 can execute the execution of a predefined function (e.g., a function corresponding to the input interface where the user input is detected) when a user input to the input interface 330 is detected in the communication mode To the external NFC apparatus via the loop antenna 320. The RF signal is transmitted to the external NFC apparatus through the loop antenna 320. [ Here, the communication mode is one of operation modes of the NFC apparatus 300, which means that the NFC apparatus 300 is in a state of being able to communicate with the external NFC apparatus.

In this way, the NFC apparatus 300 includes at least one input interface 330, so that unlike an NFC target such as a powerless tag, a card, or the like, which provides only a predetermined single information regardless of a user's selection, It is possible to operate as an NFC target that actively provides information desired by the user. Accordingly, even when the NFC apparatus 300 operates as a passive NFC target of a non-power source, it is possible to provide an active NFC service considering user selection and further provide a user-friendly NFC service.

4 is a conceptual diagram of an NFC apparatus including an RF antenna and an input interface according to another embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an exemplary conceptual diagram of an NFC apparatus 400 including a plurality of RF antennas. In FIG. 4, the description of FIG. 3 is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 4, the NFC apparatus 400 may include a substrate 410 (or an NFC board) having a plurality of RF antennas and at least one input interface disposed therein. For example, the NFC apparatus 400 includes at least one first input interface 431 associated with the first loop antenna 421, a second loop antenna 422 and a first loop antenna 421, And at least one second input interface 432 associated with the second input interface 422. In this case, each loop antenna can perform NFC communication with an external NFC apparatus that is different from each other.

In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the first loop antenna 421 and the second loop antenna 422 may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate 410. The first antenna region of the first loop antenna 421 may be located within the first region 1 on the first surface of the substrate 410 and the second antenna region of the second loop antenna 422 may be located within the first region 1 on the first surface of the substrate 410, May be located in the second region 2 on the first surface of the substrate 410. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the antenna region is an area associated with the loop antenna, for example, a region defined or determined by the outer perimeter or inner perimeter of the loop antenna 320, Lt; / RTI >

Here, the first area 1 may be an area where the first external NFC device is aligned for NFC communication. Also, the second area 2 may be an area where the second external NFC device is aligned for NFC communication. As described above with reference to Fig. 3, the first region 1 and the second region 2 may be of the same or similar form as the first external NFC apparatus and the second external NFC apparatus, respectively. Further, the first external NFC apparatus and the second external NFC apparatus may be aligned in the first region 1 and the second region 2, respectively, in a predetermined direction.

Further, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, each input interface may be disposed on a first surface of the substrate 410. As an embodiment, the area of the input interface (input interface area) may be located in the third area 3 on the first surface of the substrate 410. In this case, the input interface area can be defined, for example, by the outer periphery of the input interface. Here, the third region 3 may be a region different from the first region 1 and the second region 2. That is, the first loop antenna 421 and the second loop antenna 422 and the input interface may be located in different areas. Thereby, when each of the plurality of external NFC apparatuses performs NFC communication in a state where the plurality of external NFC apparatuses are aligned in the first region 1 and the second region 2 of the NFC apparatus 400, It is possible to prevent the input interface from being obscured or making the user input to the input interface uncomfortable by each external NFC device.

As described above with reference to Fig. 2, the RF antenna and the input interface may be connected to one processor. In this case, when the user input to the input interface is detected in the communication mode, the processor can transmit the RF response signal including the control information for executing the function corresponding to the input interface to the external NFC device via the loop antenna.

For example, if a user input to the first input interface 431 associated with the first loop antenna 421 is detected in the communication mode, the processor of the NFC device 400 may perform a predefined function (e.g., To the first external NFC apparatus via the first loop antenna 421, the first RF response signal including the first control information for the execution of the function corresponding to the interface 431. At this time, the processor may transmit or not transmit the second RF response signal including the same first control information to the second external NFC apparatus 400 through the second loop antenna 422 according to the predetermined interlocking mode have. Here, the interworking mode is a mode in which the NFC communication (or the NFC service) provided by the NFC apparatus 400 through the first loop antenna 421 and the NFC communication (or the NFC service) provided by the second loop antenna 422 are mutually It may be a mode indicating whether or not it is interlocked. As an example, the interworking mode may comprise a first interworking mode indicating that two NFC communications are not interworking with each other and a second interworking mode indicating that both NFC communications are interworking. As an embodiment, the first interlock mode may be selected as the default interlock mode.

In one embodiment, when the interworking mode is the first interworking mode, the NFC apparatus 400 transmits the same first control information to the first external NFC apparatus when the first RF response signal including the first control information is transmitted to the first external NFC apparatus And may not transmit a second RF response signal to the second external NFC device. Accordingly, the first external NFC apparatus and the second external NFC apparatus can perform different functions from each other, and as a result, the NFC apparatus 400 can transmit a separate NFC service interlocking with the user of the first external NFC apparatus and the second NFC apparatus And can be separately provided to the user of the external NFC device.

In another embodiment, when the interworking mode is the second interworking mode, the NFC apparatus 400 transmits the same first control information to the first external NFC apparatus when the first RF response signal including the first control information is transmitted to the first external NFC apparatus To the second external NFC device. Accordingly, the first external NFC apparatus and the second external NFC apparatus can perform the same function, and as a result, the NFC apparatus 400 can transmit the NFC service interlocked with the user of the first external NFC apparatus and the second external NFC apparatus Can be provided to the user.

5 shows an exemplary form of a loop antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the loop antenna may be constituted by a coil having a number of turns of one or more. At this time, the coils constituting the loop antenna may have various shapes. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the loop antenna may be formed of a rectangular coil having one or more turns. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the loop antenna may be formed of a triangle coil having one or more turns. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the loop antenna may be constituted by a coil of a circular shape having at least one turn number. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 (d), the loop antenna may be composed of an elliptical coil having one or more turns.

As described above, the loop antenna of the NFC apparatus can have various forms. However, considering the shape of the loop antenna of the external NFC apparatus, the antenna type having the highest antenna efficiency may be selected as the antenna type of the NFC apparatus. For example, if the external NFC device is a mobile device such as a smart phone with a rectangular loop antenna, a rectangular loop antenna with the best antenna efficiency (e.g., the loop antenna of the embodiment of FIG. 5 (a) It can be selected as a loop antenna of the NFC apparatus.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the arrangement and structure of the loop antenna will be described, focusing on the case where the NFC apparatus includes one loop antenna and the shape of the loop antenna is a rectangular shape. However, this is only an example for convenience of description, and the same or similar explanation may be applied to the embodiment in which the NFC apparatus includes a plurality of loop antennas and the embodiment in which the form of the loop antenna is in another form .

6 shows an exemplary arrangement of a loop antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the loop antenna 610 may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may be located within the first region 10 of the first surface. However, as shown in FIG. 6, the position of the antenna region in the first region 10 may have various embodiments.

For example, as shown in Fig. 6 (a), the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may be located at the center of the first region 10. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may be located in the upper part of the first region 10. In this case, the antenna area of the loop antenna 610 may overlap with the upper half area of the first area 10 more than the lower half area. 6 (c), the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may be located at a lower part of the first region 10. In this case, the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may overlap with the lower half region more than the upper half region of the first region 10. 6 (d), the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may be located on the left part of the first region 10. In this case, the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may overlap with the left half area more than the right half area of the first area 10. 6 (e), the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may be located on the right part of the first region 10. [ In this case, the antenna region of the loop antenna 610 may overlap with the right half region more than the left half region of the first region 10.

In this way, the loop antenna 610 of the NFC apparatus 600 can have various positions in the first region 10. However, the position having the highest antenna efficiency may be selected as the position of the loop antenna 610 of the NFC apparatus 600 considering the position of the loop antenna of the external NFC apparatus aligned in the first region 10 . For example, if the external NFC device is a mobile device, such as a smart phone, with a loop antenna positioned primarily on top, a loop antenna 610 (e.g., The loop antenna 610 of the embodiment of FIG. 6 (b)) may be selected as the loop antenna 610 of the NFC apparatus 600. Thereby, when the external NFC device is positioned around the NFC device 600 (for example, above the first surface of the NFC device 600) while being aligned with the first region 10, the NFC device 600 ) And the external NFC device.

7 shows an exemplary structure of a loop antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the loop antenna 710 may be disposed on the first surface of the substrate, and the antenna region of the loop antenna 710 may be located within the first area 10 of the first surface. However, the antenna region of the loop antenna 710 may not be aligned with the first region 10, as shown in FIG.

As an example, the central axis of the first region 10 may be aligned with respect to a reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region may be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the reference axis . In an embodiment, the predetermined angle is an experimentally determined angle in consideration of antenna efficiency, for example, the predetermined angle may be an angle between 0 and 45 degrees, preferably between 5 and 40 degrees . Here, the reference axis may be an axis that is horizontal or perpendicular to any one of the x-axis, the y-axis, or the edge of the first region 10. The center axis of the first region 10 may be the axis passing through the center of the first region 10 and being horizontal or perpendicular to any one of the corners of the first region 10. Also, the center axis of the antenna region may be the axis passing through the center of the antenna region and being either horizontal or vertical to any one of the corners of the antenna region.

When the antenna area is disposed in the first area 10 with the same size and the same position, as shown in FIG. 7, when the center axis of the antenna area is inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the reference axis, The antenna efficiency can be increased as compared with the case where the central axis is aligned with respect to the reference axis. Accordingly, when the external NFC apparatus is positioned around the NFC apparatus 700 in a state where the external NFC apparatus is aligned with the first region 10, communication efficiency between the NFC apparatus 700 and the external NFC apparatus can be improved.

7A to 7C, the reference axis is the x-axis, the center axis of the first region 10 passes the center of the first region 10 and the horizontal axis of the first region 10 And that the central axis of the antenna region passes through the center of the antenna region and is parallel to the vertical edge. 7A to 7C, it is assumed that the antenna region is defined by the outer periphery of the loop antenna 710. In this case,

7A, the central axis of the first region 10 is horizontal with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region is not horizontal with respect to the reference axis but may be inclined by a predetermined first angle have. That is, the central axis of the first region 10 is aligned with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region may not be aligned with respect to the reference axis. At this time, the antenna region having a tilted structure may be located at the center of the first region 10 as shown in FIG. 6 (a). That is, the area where the antenna area overlaps with the lower half area and the upper half area of the first area 10 may be the same.

7 (b), the central axis of the first region 10 is horizontal with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region is not horizontal with respect to the reference axis but is inclined at a predetermined first angle . That is, the central axis of the first region 10 is aligned with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region may not be aligned with respect to the reference axis. At this time, the antenna region having a tilted structure may be located above the first region 10 as shown in FIG. 6 (b). That is, the antenna region can overlap with the upper half region more than the lower half region of the first region 10.

7 (c), the central axis of the first region 10 is horizontal with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region is not horizontal with respect to the reference axis but is inclined by a predetermined first angle Lt; / RTI > That is, the central axis of the first region 10 is aligned with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region is not aligned with respect to the reference axis, but can be inclined by a predetermined angle. At this time, the antenna region having a tilted structure may be positioned below the first region 10 as shown in FIG. 6 (c). That is, the antenna region may overlap with the lower half region more than the upper half region of the first region 10.

7 (d) to 7 (e), the reference axis is the y-axis, the central axis of the first region 10 passes the center of the first region 10, And it is assumed that the center axis of the antenna region passes through the center of the antenna region and is parallel to the horizontal edge. 7 (d) to 7 (e), it is assumed that the antenna region is defined by the inner periphery of the loop antenna 710. [

For example, as shown in Fig. 7 (d), the center axis of the first region 10 is horizontal with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region is not horizontal with respect to the reference axis but may be inclined by a second predetermined angle have. That is, the central axis of the first region 10 is aligned with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region may not be aligned with respect to the reference axis. At this time, the antenna region having a tilted structure may be positioned on the right side of the first region 10 as shown in Fig. 6 (d). That is, the antenna region may overlap with the right half region more than the left half region of the first region 10.

7 (e), the center axis of the first region 10 is horizontal with respect to the reference axis, and the center axis of the antenna region is not horizontal with respect to the reference axis but inclined by a second predetermined angle Lt; / RTI > That is, the central axis of the first region 10 is aligned with respect to the reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region is not aligned with respect to the reference axis, but can be inclined by a predetermined angle. At this time, the antenna region having a tilted structure may be located on the left side of the first region 10, as shown in Fig. 6 (e). That is, the antenna region may overlap with the left half region more than the right half region of the first region 10.

In this way, the loop antenna 710 of the NFC apparatus 700 can have a structure inclined in the first region 10. However, considering the position and structure of the loop antenna of the external NFC apparatus aligned in the first region 10, the inclined structure having the highest antenna efficiency may be arranged in the arrangement structure of the loop antenna 710 of the NFC apparatus 700 . For example, if the external NFC device is a mobile device, such as a smart phone, having a rectangular-shaped loop antenna located at the top, it is located at the top of the first area 10 with the best antenna efficiency, A loop antenna 710 having a tilted structure (for example, the loop antenna 710 in the embodiment of FIG. 7 (b)) can be selected as the loop antenna 710 of the NFC apparatus 700. In this way, when the external NFC apparatus is located around the NFC apparatus 700 (for example, above the first surface of the NFC apparatus 700) while being aligned with the first region 10, the NFC apparatus 700 ) And the external NFC device.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the loop antenna 710 having a structure inclined clockwise with respect to the y axis has been described as an example, but this is merely an example for convenience of description, and may be applied to the loop antenna 710 having a structure inclined counterclockwise with respect to the y-axis.

8 illustrates an operation mode of an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, the NFC apparatus is an operation mode, and may include a standby mode 810 and a communication mode 820. FIG.

The standby mode 810 indicates a state in which the NFC apparatus waits for communication with the external NFC apparatus. For example, the standby mode 810 may be a state in which the NFC apparatus waits until the operating voltage is supplied by the RF signal received from the external NFC apparatus. In the present specification, the standby mode 810 may be referred to as a target mode.

The communication mode 820 indicates a state in which the NFC apparatus can communicate with the external NFC apparatus. For example, the communication mode 820 may be a state in which the NFC apparatus is supplied with the operating voltage by the RF signal received from the external NFC apparatus and can communicate with the external NFC apparatus.

In one embodiment, when an operating voltage is supplied by an RF signal received from an external NFC device, the NFC device may switch the operation mode from the standby mode 810 to the communication mode 820. [ In another embodiment, if the user input to the input interface is not detected for a preset period of time with the operating voltage being supplied by the RF signal received from the external NFC device, or if the reception of the RF signal from the external NFC device is stopped , The NFC device may switch the operation mode from the communication mode 820 to the standby mode 810. [ However, the above-described embodiment is one of the embodiments of the change condition of the operation mode, and the change mode of the various other operation modes set by the user causes the operation mode to be changed from the standby mode 810 to the communication mode 820, Mode 820 to the idle mode 810. [0070]

As an embodiment, in the communication mode 820, when a user input to the input interface is detected, the NFC device transmits an RF response signal including control information for execution of the predefined function to the external NFC device via the loop antenna Lt; / RTI > As an example, the predefined functions may be different for each communication mode.

As an embodiment, the control information includes information (Wi-Fi network information) for executing the Wi-Fi function of the external NFC apparatus or information (content providing information) for executing the content providing function through the display of the external NFC apparatus can do.

The Wi-Fi network information may include, for example, Wi-Fi network ID information, Wi-Fi network PW information, Wi-Fi network address information, and / or security option information. The external NFC device that receives the control information including the Wi-Fi network information can perform the Wi-Fi function. The content providing information includes, for example, application information (e.g., web browser application information) used for providing contents and / or URL information (e.g., URL type information and URL address information) for a web page for providing contents . The external NFC apparatus receiving the control information including the content providing information can provide the content through the web browser.

As an embodiment, control information for execution of a function corresponding to each input interface may be updated by an external NFC apparatus in the manager mode. For example, the NFC apparatus can update the control information by receiving an RF signal including a write command including update information from an external NFC apparatus in an administrator mode. In this way, the control information can be updated only through the external NFC apparatus having the administrator authority, thereby preventing the malicious user from changing the control information.

As an example, the communication mode 820 may include a first communication mode and a second communication mode. Here, the first communication mode is a normal mode. For example, when a user input for each input interface is detected, the NFC device can be connected to each input interface independently of the function of the input interface And may transmit the RF response signal including the control information for executing the corresponding function to the external NFC apparatus. Alternatively, the second communication mode may be an extended mode or an associated mode, for example, when a user input for each input interface is detected, the NFC device may be configured to execute a function associated with the function of the input interface (preceding input interface) To the external NFC apparatus, the RF response signal including control information for the NFC apparatus. As an example, the first communication mode may be selected as the default communication mode. The specific operation of the NFC apparatus according to the user input to the input interface in each of the communication modes will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG.

9 to 11, a smart mat including the NFC apparatus will be described, and the operation of the NFC apparatus and the smart mat will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. FIG.

9 is a conceptual diagram of a smart mat including an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the smart mat of Fig. 11 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a method by which a user uses the NFC service using the smart mat of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 10, the smart mat 1000 includes an NFC apparatus 1100, a guide board 1200, a base board 1300, and a stationary frame 1400. The description of the NFC apparatus 1100 is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The guide board 1200 may be a board for guiding NFC communication between the external NFC apparatus 100 and the NFC apparatus 1100. As an example, the guide board 1200 may contact the first surface of the substrate of the NFC apparatus 1100.

As an example, the guide board 1200 may include at least one guide information for guiding NFC communication between the external NFC apparatus 100 and the NFC apparatus 1100. For example, at least one guide information may include first guide information indicating a device contact area corresponding to the first area of the NFC apparatus 1100, or first guide information indicating an input area corresponding to each input interface area of the NFC apparatus 1100 2 < / RTI > guide information. The first guide information may be, for example, an indication line indicating the device contact area and / or a guidance phrase for the device contact area (e.g., a guide to the location or orientation in which the external NFC device 100 is placed in the device contact area) have. The second guide information may be, for example, a display line indicating an input area and / or a description line for each input interface.

11, the NFC apparatus 1100 performs NFC communication with the external NFC apparatus 100 in a state where the external NFC apparatus 100 is placed in the apparatus contact area of the guide board 1200 can do. For example, the NFC apparatus 1100 may be configured such that the external NFC apparatus 100 is placed in the apparatus contact area of the guide board 1200, and the external NFC apparatus 100 is aligned with the first area, 100). ≪ / RTI > Accordingly, the NFC apparatus 1100 can efficiently perform NFC communication with the external NFC apparatus 100.

The base board 1300 may be a board that accommodates the NFC apparatus 1100. As an example, it may contact the second surface of the substrate of the NFC apparatus 1100. In this case, the first surface and the second surface of the NFC apparatus 1100 (or the substrate of the NFC apparatus 1100) may be opposite direction surfaces.

The fixed frame 1400 may fix the NFC apparatus 1100, the base board 1300, and the guide board 1200. The smart mat 1000 fixed by the fixed frame 1400 may have a shape as shown in Fig. At this time, the NFC apparatus 1100 is not exposed to the outside, and only the surface of the guide board 1200 and the surface of the base board 1300 can be exposed to the outside. As described above, the surface of the guide board 1200 may provide at least one guide information to the user.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, in a state where the external NFC apparatus 100 is placed in the apparatus contact area, a user input to the input region can be received. In this case, the NFC apparatus 1100 detects user input to the input interface of the input interface area corresponding to the input area and includes control information for executing the predefined function (for example, function corresponding to the input interface) To the external NFC apparatus 100. The external NFC apparatus 100 transmits the RF response signal to the external NFC apparatus 100. [

12 illustrates a method for operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus and an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a communication mode. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, the NFC apparatus may operate in accordance with the first communication mode. Since the operation of the smart mat depends on the operation of the NFC apparatus, the operation of the NFC apparatus will be described below.

12, when a user input to the first input interface (e.g., a button) is detected in the first communication mode, as shown in the upper left corner, a first function corresponding to the first input interface To the external NFC apparatus 100 through the loop antenna. The first RF response signal including the first control information for the execution of the first RF response signal may be transmitted to the external NFC apparatus 100 via the loop antenna. In this case, the NFC apparatus may deactivate the input interface for a first predetermined period (e.g., a period from t0 to t1). Thus, the NFC device is not able to detect user input to the input interface (e.g., b button) during the deactivation period of the input interface.

In this way, the NFC device may deactivate the input interface for a preset period of time when transmitting an RF response signal for execution of the function according to the button input to the external NFC device 100. [ Accordingly, the NFC apparatus can prevent the external NFC apparatus 100 from malfunctioning due to redundant input or too frequent input, and can give the external NFC apparatus 100 enough time to execute the function.

As shown in the lower left of FIG. 12, the external NFC apparatus 100 that has received the first RF response signal can execute the first function, and can provide the execution screen of the first function to the user through the display.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the user input to the input interface is detected in the second period, the third period, and the third period will be described with reference to the drawings, respectively.

(1) In the first communication mode, as shown in the middle top of Fig. 12, within a second predetermined period (for example, a period from t1 to t2) from the elapsed time (for example, t1) When a user input to an input interface (e.g., a b button) is detected, the NFC device sends a second RF response signal including second control information for execution of a second function corresponding to the second input interface to the loop antenna To the external NFC apparatus 100 via the network.

In this case, as shown in the middle lower part of FIG. 12, the external NFC apparatus 100 that has received the second RF response signal can perform the second function and provide the execution screen of the second function to the user through the display have.

(For example, a period from t2 to t3) from the elapsed time (for example, t2) in the first communication mode, as shown in Fig. When a user input to a third input interface (e.g., a c-button) is detected, the NFC device sends a third RF response signal including third control information for execution of a third function corresponding to the third input interface To the external NFC apparatus 100 via the antenna.

In this case, as shown in the lower right part of FIG. 12, the external NFC apparatus 100 receiving the third RF response signal can execute the third function and can provide the execution screen of the third function to the user through the display have.

(3) Or, in the first communication mode, if no user input to the input interface is detected until the second time period elapses (for example t3), the NFC device switches the operation mode from the first communication mode to the standby mode You can switch.

As an example, the first communication mode for the above-described operation may be the default mode of the operation mode.

13 illustrates a method for operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus and an NFC apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention in accordance with a communication mode. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the NFC apparatus may operate in accordance with the second communication mode. Since the operation of the smart mat depends on the operation of the NFC apparatus, the operation of the NFC apparatus will be described below.

13, when a user input to the first input interface (e.g., a button) is detected in the second communication mode, a first function corresponding to the first input interface To the external NFC apparatus 100 through the loop antenna. The first RF response signal including the first control information for the execution of the first RF response signal may be transmitted to the external NFC apparatus 100 via the loop antenna.

In this case, the NFC apparatus can deactivate the input interface for a predetermined first period (e.g., a period from t0 to t1), as in the first communication mode. Thus, the NFC device is not able to detect user input to the input interface (e.g., b button) during the deactivation period of the input interface. Accordingly, the NFC apparatus can prevent the external NFC apparatus 100 from malfunctioning due to redundant input or too frequent input, and can give the external NFC apparatus 100 enough time to execute the function.

As shown in the lower left of FIG. 13, the external NFC apparatus 100 receiving the first RF response signal can execute the first function, and can provide the execution screen of the first function to the user through the display.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the user input to the input interface is detected in the second period, the third period, and the third period will be described with reference to the drawings, respectively.

(1) In the second communication mode, as shown in the middle upper part of Fig. 13, within a second predetermined period (for example, from t1 to t2) from the elapsed time (for example, t1) When a user input to an input interface (e.g., a button or a b button) is detected, the NFC device executes the execution of the first 1-1 function (e.g., A-1 function or A-2 function) associated with the first function The second RF response signal including the control information for the first NFC apparatus 100 to the external NFC apparatus 100 through the loop antenna.

In this case, as shown in the middle lower part of FIG. 13, the external NFC apparatus 100 that has received the second RF response signal executes the function associated with the 1-1 function, and displays the execution screen of the 1-1 function To the user. As an example, the first-first function associated with the first function may be a sub-function of the first function. For example, when the first function is the providing function of the first content, the first function associated with the first function may be a function of providing the lower contents or the detailed contents of the first contents.

(For example, a period from t2 to t3) from the elapsed time (for example, t2) in the first communication mode (2) or the upper right end of Fig. 13 When a user input to a second input interface (e.g., a button or b button) is detected, the NFC device generates control information for execution of a second function (e.g., A function or B function) corresponding to the second input interface To the external NFC apparatus 100 through the loop antenna.

In this case, as shown in the lower right of Fig. 13, the external NFC apparatus 100 receiving the third RF response signal can perform the second function, and can display the execution screen of the second function to the user via the display have.

(3) Alternatively, in the second communication mode, if the user input to the input interface is not detected until the elapsed time of the second period (for example t3), the NFC device changes the operation mode from the first communication mode to the standby mode You can switch.

As an embodiment, the first communication mode or the second communication mode may be selected or changed by user input to the input interface. In this case, one of the input interfaces can be used as an input interface for selection of the communication mode.

As described above, the NFC apparatus has an advantage that it can provide various combinations of functions and information by using a limited number of buttons by including, as a communication mode, a first communication mode as well as a second communication mode. Further, the NFC apparatus has an advantage that it can gradually provide more and more detailed information when providing specific contents through the external NFC apparatus 100.

In the following. A method of operating an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas according to an embodiment of the present invention in an interworking mode will be described. However, when an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas operates according to the first interworking mode, an individual method in which the NFC apparatus operates with each of the external NFC apparatuses 100 via the respective loop antennas. And therefore, a further explanation will be omitted. Therefore, in the following, embodiments will be described focusing on the case where an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas operates in a second interworking mode.

FIG. 14 shows an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method of operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus according to an interlocking mode. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas can operate in a second interlocking mode. Further, in the embodiment of Fig. 14, the NFC apparatus can operate according to the first communication mode. Since the operation of the smart mat depends on the operation of the NFC apparatus, the operation of the NFC apparatus will be described below.

14, when a user input to the first input interface (e.g., 1-a button) is detected, the first function corresponding to the first input interface (e.g., 1-A function) to the external NFC apparatus through the first loop antenna.

At this time, the NFC apparatus can transmit the RF response signal including the same first control information to the second external NFC apparatus 102 through the second loop antenna. 14, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and the execution screen of the same function can be displayed on the first external NFC apparatus ( 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively.

In addition, the NFC device may deactivate the input interface for a first predetermined period of time (e.g., a period from t0 to t1). Thus, the NFC device can not detect user input to the input interface (e.g., 1-b button or 2-b button) during the deactivation period of the input interface. Thus, the NFC apparatus can prevent malfunction of the external NFC apparatus due to redundant button input or too frequent button input, and can give sufficient time for the external NFC apparatus to perform the function.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the user input to the input interface is detected in the second period, the third period, and the third period will be described with reference to the drawings, respectively.

(1) In the second interlocking mode and the first communication mode, as shown in the middle upper part of Fig. 14, a second period (for example, from t1 to t2) from the elapsed time (E.g., a 1-b button or a 2-b button) is detected within a predetermined time period (e.g., a period of time) Or a 2-B function) to the external NFC device through the first loop antenna.

At this time, the NFC apparatus can transmit the RF response signal including the same second control information to the second external NFC apparatus 102 through the second loop antenna. 14, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and the execution screen of the same function can be displayed on the first external NFC apparatus ( 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively.

(For example, from t2 to t3 in the second interlocking mode and the first communication mode, as shown in the upper right part of Fig. 14) or from the elapsed time (for example, t2) (E.g., 1-C button or 2-c button) is detected within a period of time (e.g., a period of from 1-C to 1-C) Function or the 2-C function) to the external NFC apparatus through the first loop antenna.

At this time, the NFC apparatus can transmit the RF response signal including the same second control information to the second external NFC apparatus 102 through the second loop antenna. 14, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and can display the execution screen of the same function as the first external NFC apparatus 101 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively.

(3) Alternatively, in the second interworking mode and the first communication mode, if no user input to the input interface is detected until the second time period elapses (e.g., t3), the NFC device transmits the operation mode to the first communication Mode to the standby mode.

When the second interworking mode is executed as described above, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and the execution screen of the same function can be transmitted to the first external NFC apparatus ( 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively. As a result, the NFC apparatus can provide the NFC service interlocked with the user of the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the user of the second external NFC apparatus 102 together.

15 shows an NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas according to another embodiment of the present invention and a method of operating a smart mat including an NFC apparatus according to an interlocking mode. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the NFC apparatus including a plurality of loop antennas can operate in the second interlocking mode. Further, in the embodiment of Fig. 15, the NFC apparatus can operate in accordance with the second communication mode. Since the operation of the smart mat depends on the operation of the NFC apparatus, the operation of the NFC apparatus will be described below.

15, when a user input to a first input interface (e.g., a-a button) is detected in a second interlocking mode, a first function corresponding to the first input interface (e.g., 1-A function) to the external NFC apparatus through the first loop antenna.

At this time, the NFC apparatus can transmit the RF response signal including the same first control information to the second external NFC apparatus 102 through the second loop antenna. 14, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and the execution screen of the same function can be displayed on the first external NFC apparatus ( 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively.

In addition, the NFC device may deactivate the input interface for a first predetermined period of time (e.g., a period from t0 to t1). Thus, the NFC device can not detect user input to the input interface (e.g., the 1-a button or the 2-a button) during the deactivation period of the input interface. Thus, the NFC apparatus can prevent malfunction of the external NFC apparatus due to redundant button input or too frequent button input, and can give sufficient time for the external NFC apparatus to perform the function.

Hereinafter, embodiments in which the user input to the input interface is detected in the second period, the third period, and the third period will be described with reference to the drawings, respectively.

(1) In the second interlocking mode and the second communication mode, as shown in the middle upper part of Fig. 15, a second period (for example, from t1 to t2) from the elapsed time (E.g., 1-A-1) associated with the first function when a user input to a second input interface (e.g., a 1-a button or a 1-a button) Function or the 1-A-2 function) to the external NFC apparatus through the first loop antenna.

At this time, the NFC apparatus can transmit the RF response signal including the same 1-1 control information to the second external NFC apparatus 102 through the second loop antenna. 14, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and the execution screen of the same function can be displayed on the first external NFC apparatus ( 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively.

(For example, from t2 to t3 (for example, from t2 to t3) in the second interlocking mode and the second communication mode, as shown in the upper right part of Fig. 15 When a user input to a second input interface (e.g., a 1-a button or a 2-a button) is detected within a period of time from the first input interface to the second input interface Function or a 2-C function) to the external NFC apparatus through the first loop antenna.

At this time, the NFC apparatus can transmit the RF response signal including the same second control information to the second external NFC apparatus 102 through the second loop antenna. 15, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and can display the execution screen of the same function as the first external NFC apparatus 101 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively.

(3) Alternatively, in the second interworking mode and the second communication mode, if no user input to the input interface is detected until the second time period has elapsed (e.g., t3), the NFC device transmits the operation mode to the second communication Mode to the standby mode.

When the second interworking mode is executed as described above, the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the second external NFC apparatus 102 can perform the same function, and the execution screen of the same function can be transmitted to the first external NFC apparatus ( 101 and the display of the second external NFC apparatus 102, respectively. As a result, the NFC apparatus can provide the NFC service interlocked with the user of the first external NFC apparatus 101 and the user of the second external NFC apparatus 102 together.

16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of NFC communication between a smart mat including an NFC apparatus and an NFC apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As described above, since the operation of the smart mat depends on the operation of the NFC apparatus, the operation of the smart mat will be described below, focusing on the operation of the NFC apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 16, in the communication mode, the NFC apparatus can detect a user input to an input interface (S16100).

When the user input to the input interface is detected, the NFC apparatus may transmit the RF response signal including the control information for executing the predefined function to the external NFC apparatus through the loop antenna (S16200). As an example, the predefined functions may be different for each communication mode. For example, when the communication mode is the first communication mode, the predefined function may be a function corresponding to the corresponding input interface from which the user input is detected. Alternatively, when the communication mode is the second communication mode, the predefined function is a function associated with the preceding function corresponding to the preceding input interface in which the user input is detected before the input interface (for example, ).

As an embodiment, the NFC apparatus may be configured such that, when the operation voltage is supplied by the RF signal received from the external NFC apparatus, the operation mode of the NFC apparatus is communicated in the standby mode before the step S16100 of detecting the user input to the input interface Quot; mode "

As a preferred embodiment, the step S16200 of transmitting the RF response signal to the external NFC apparatus via the loop antenna is performed in the first communication mode, within a predetermined second period from the elapsed time of the first period, Transmitting the second RF response signal including the second control information for executing the second function corresponding to the second input interface to the external NFC device through the loop antenna when the input is detected have. This is described above with reference to FIG. 12 and will not be described in detail.

As a preferred embodiment, the step S16200 of transmitting the RF response signal to the external NFC apparatus via the loop antenna is performed in the second communication mode, within a predetermined second period from the elapsed time of the first period, When the input is detected, transmitting a third RF response signal including third control information for execution of the function associated with the first function to the external NFC device via the loop antenna, or in the second communication mode, Transmitting a second RF response signal including second control information to an external NFC device via a loop antenna when a user input to the second input interface is detected within a preset third period from the elapsed time, As shown in FIG. This is described above with reference to FIG. 13, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In an embodiment, the first communication mode or the second communication mode may be selected or changed by user input to the input interface.

By way of example, the central axis of the first region may be aligned with respect to a reference axis, and the central axis of the antenna region may be inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the reference axis. This will not be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7, as described above.

As an embodiment, the control information may include at least one of information for executing the Wi-Fi function of the external NFC apparatus or information for executing the content providing function through display of the external NFC apparatus.

The embodiments described above are those in which the elements and features of the present invention are combined in a predetermined form. Each component or feature shall be considered optional unless otherwise expressly stated. Each component or feature may be implemented in a form that is not combined with other components or features. It is also possible to construct embodiments of the present invention by combining some of the elements and / or features. The order of the operations described in the embodiments of the present invention may be changed. Some configurations or features of certain embodiments may be included in other embodiments, or may be replaced with corresponding configurations or features of other embodiments. It is clear that the claims that are not expressly cited in the claims may be combined to form an embodiment or be included in a new claim by an amendment after the application.

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be implemented by various means, for example, hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In the case of hardware implementation, an embodiment of the present invention may include one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs) field programmable gate arrays, processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and the like.

In the case of an implementation by firmware or software, an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of a module, a procedure, a function, or the like which performs the functions or operations described above. The software code can be stored in memory and driven by the processor. The memory is located inside or outside the processor and can exchange data with the processor by various means already known.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be determined by rational interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the scope of equivalents of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

It should also be understood that the angles, distances, and directions herein are meant to include not only exact values, but also a substantial range of angles, distances, and orientations. That is, the angles, distances, and directions herein may indicate substantial angles, distances, and directions, and a range of errors may exist.

In this specification, both the invention and the method invention are explained, and the description of both inventions can be supplemented as necessary.

1000: NFC communication system 100: First NFC device
200: second NFC device

Claims (19)

An NFC target device driven by an NFC initiation device,
An antenna region defined by an outer perimeter or inner perimeter of the loop antenna disposed on a first surface of the substrate and transmitting and receiving a radio signal, A first region on the first surface;
A plurality of input interfaces disposed on a first surface of the substrate, the input interface being located in a second region on the first surface, the first region and the second region being different regions; And
A processor coupled to the loop antenna and to the input interface,
Wherein when an operating voltage is supplied by an RF signal received through the loop antenna from an NFC initiator located above the first region, State to the communication mode,
Here, the RF signal is a signal for starting communication with the NFC target apparatus,
Here, the longitudinal axis of the loop antenna is tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the first region,
Transmitting, in the communication mode, an RF response signal including control information for execution of a predefined function to the NFC initiator via the loop antenna when a user input to the input interface is detected, . delete delete The method according to claim 1,
The processor comprising:
A first RF response signal including first control information for performing a first function corresponding to the first input interface is transmitted to the NFC initiator through the loop antenna when a user input to the first input interface is detected, And deactivates all of the plurality of input interfaces during a first predetermined period. 5. The method of claim 4,
The first communication mode is a mode in which when a user input to the second input interface is detected within a second predetermined period from the time when the first period elapses, And transmits a second RF response signal including control information to the NFC initiator via the loop antenna. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the second communication mode is different from the first communication mode when the user input to the second input interface is detected within the second predetermined period from the elapsed time of the first period, Or transmits a third RF response signal including third control information for the NFC initiator to the NFC initiator through the loop antenna,
When the user input to the second input interface is detected within the third predetermined period from the elapsed time of the second period, in the second communication mode, the second RF response signal including the second control information To the NFC initiator via the loop antenna. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the first communication mode or the second communication mode is selected or changed by a user input to the input interface. The method according to claim 1,
The control information includes:
Information for execution of a Wi-Fi function of the NFC initiator or information for execution of a content providing function through a display of the NFC initiator. An NFC communication method of an NFC target apparatus driven by an NFC initiator,
The NFC initiator comprises:
An antenna region defined by an outer perimeter or inner perimeter of the loop antenna disposed on a first surface of the substrate and transmitting and receiving a radio signal, A first region on the first surface;
A plurality of input interfaces disposed on a first surface of the substrate, the input interface being located in a second region on the first surface, the first region and the second region being different regions; And
A processor coupled to the loop antenna and to the input interface,
The NFC communication method includes:
Wherein when an operating voltage is supplied by an RF signal received through the loop antenna from an NFC initiator located above the first region, Switching to a communication mode that is a state;
Here, the RF signal is a signal for starting communication with the NFC target apparatus,
Here, the longitudinal axis of the loop antenna is tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the first region,
Detecting, in the communication mode, a user input to the input interface; And
And transmitting to the NFC initiator via the loop antenna a RF response signal including control information for performing a predefined function when a user input to the input interface is detected. delete delete 10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the step of transmitting the RF response signal to the NFC initiator through the loop antenna comprises:
A first RF response signal including first control information for performing a first function corresponding to the first input interface is transmitted to the NFC initiator through the loop antenna when a user input to the first input interface is detected, And deactivating the input interface for a first predetermined period of time. 13. The method of claim 12,
Wherein the step of transmitting the RF response signal to the NFC initiator through the loop antenna comprises:
When the user input to the second input interface is detected within the second predetermined period from the elapsed time of the first period in the first communication mode, And transmitting a second RF response signal including control information to the NFC initiator via the loop antenna. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the step of transmitting the RF response signal to the NFC initiator through the loop antenna comprises:
When a user input to a second input interface is detected within a second predetermined period from a time at which the first period elapses in a second communication mode different from the first communication mode, execution of a function associated with the first function Transmitting a third RF response signal including third control information for the NFC initiator to the NFC initiator via the loop antenna,
When the user input to the second input interface is detected within the third predetermined period from the elapsed time of the second period, in the second communication mode, the second RF response signal including the second control information To the NFC initiator via the loop antenna. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 20 > 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the first communication mode or the second communication mode is selected or changed by user input to the input interface. 10. The method of claim 9,
The control information includes:
Information for execution of a Wi-Fi function of the NFC initiator or information for execution of a content providing function through a display of the NFC initiator. A smart mat comprising an NFC target device driven by an NFC initiator,
An NFC target device for performing NFC communication with the NFC initiator;
A guide board for providing at least one guide information for guiding NFC communication between the NFC initiator and the NFC target apparatus;
A base board for receiving the NFC target device; And
And a fixing frame for fixing the NFC target device, the base board, and the guide board,
The NFC target device comprises:
An antenna region defined by an outer perimeter or inner perimeter of the loop antenna disposed on a first surface of the substrate and transmitting and receiving a radio signal, A first region on the first surface;
A plurality of input interfaces disposed on a first surface of the substrate, the input interface being located in a second region on the first surface, the first region and the second region being different regions; And
And a processor coupled to the loop antenna and the input interface,
The processor comprising:
Wherein when an operating voltage is supplied by an RF signal received through the loop antenna from an NFC initiator located above the first region, State to the communication mode,
Here, the RF signal is a signal for starting communication with the NFC target apparatus,
Here, the longitudinal axis of the loop antenna is tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the first region,
Transmitting, in the communication mode, a RF response signal including control information for execution of a predefined function to the NFC initiator via the loop antenna when a user input to the input interface is detected,
Wherein the guide board is in contact with a first surface of the substrate of the NFC target apparatus and the base board is in contact with a second surface of the substrate of the NFC target apparatus and the first surface and the second surface are in opposite directions Which is an opposite direction surface of the smart mat. delete 18. The method of claim 17,
Wherein the at least one guide information includes first guide information indicating a device contact area corresponding to the first area of the NFC target device or second guide information indicating an input area corresponding to each input interface area of the NFC target device At least one,
The NFC target apparatus includes:
Wherein the NFC initiator performs NFC communication with the NFC initiator when the NFC initiator is in the device contact area.

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